A retrospective look at the Western Folklife Center’s Permanent Gear Collection (est. 1992) through the words and work of its contributors. Featuring pieces from the Collection paired with some by up-and-coming artists, this exhibit showcases the ever-changing work of western gearmakers and why this work matters. 

Established with the help of artist William Matthews, this collection comprises 30 years of high-quality, utilitarian craftsmanship across the western United States and beyond. With more than 100 unique pieces from more than 15 states, the Collection represents a renaissance of functional artistry that it—not coincidentally—played a significant role in igniting. While holding close to tradition, the Collection has inspired change, development, and a flood of creativity. 

Highlights of the Collection include the last fancy saddle by Jeremiah Watt; a hitched horsehair quirt constituting the combined work of 10 makers across the West; matching bits and spurs from Ernie Marsh; and a twisted rawhide reata of longtime National Cowboy Poetry Gathering instructor Doug Groves. Over the years, Hal Cannon, Griff Durham, Meg Glaser, Waddie Mitchell, Charlie Seemann, Andy Stevens, Jeremiah Watt, and others have all served as advisers to the Collection, which includes high-quality exemplars of everyday, and not-so-everyday, rawhide braiding, bit and spur making, saddlemaking, leatherwork, horsehair hitching, and much, much more. 

In addition to pieces from the Collection and portraits by William Matthews, the exhibit includes work by next generation gearmakers and leatherworkers Morgan Buckert, Dana and Tracy Eklund, Amanda Fraker, Chaz Mitchell, Justine Nelson-Graham, Ashley Radz, Natalie Teichert, and Bryce Williams.  

Every piece tells a story, and every story contributes to the meaning of the West.